Charlie Miller: Peace Horn From New Orleans

Quick and to the Point: 11 on a trumpet and 2 on a flute, in a New Orleans state of mind.

During the '70s, multi-instrumentalist Charlie Miller was in New York playing salsa and jazz. The most important thing, however, was the heightening of his learning curve already well tempered by his rearing in New Orleans and his years with Dr. John. A continual curiosity now leads him down flamenco and experimental paths, although on Peace Horn From New Orleans we get pieces with mossy, festive, melancholic, swinging, bluesy, tasty, as well as serene solo gumbos.

This recording is a solo effort featuring original material written by Miller, all but two tunes performed on the trumpet and the remaining on the flute. The touches of flute are quite welcome. May the memory of Alberto Socarrás, one of Miller’s teachers and performer of the first flute jazz solo, be honored in those renditions. Aside from the engaging compositions –featuring a wide range of emotions seasoned à la Orleans/USA– Miller’s technique and intelligent use of effects in his trumpet playing keep the solo effort from becoming a boredom quagmire. He stays mostly within a comfortable mid- register range, with a clear tone also capable of getting down with the New Orleans street, while sustaining the register of the notes with able breathing producing a multi-personality sound. Granted, he can hit ’em high C’s, but feeling, taste, and Southern musical hospitality prevail throughout.

I grew up listening to my father's jazz records and listening to the radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy

I grew up listening to my father's jazz records and listening to the radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy. So music and jazz specifically have been a part of me since I was born. I love and perform in all styles of music from around the world. Improvisation in jazz is what drew me in, and still does as well as other genres that feature improvisation. A group of great musicians expressing themselves as one is the hallmark of great jazz and in fact all great music.